Gospel Standards

[Asahel]

Is there such a thing as a list of standards for gospel?

[floaded27]

Probably not seeing as new music comes out regularly and old content is redone. And it also depends on the church. What would have passed as Gospel Standards may have been a hymn book many ages ago, but not even every place does hymns or they have been redone and not accurately reflected in the books.

The best thing is to listen to the radio for the latest popular songs as well as go to church choir anniversaries, concerts, programs etc and listen to the songs. Chances are some of these songs are done throughout the majority of churches.

Also there are a lot more local bands and groups, so location may factor into the song selection as well.

[phbrown]

what floaded said

[Sadowsky1]

Hi Gang,

It has been a while since I have been on the site. Anyway, I think there are standards in Gospels music. They would Hymns, Congregational songs and basic service music that is done at your particular church.  Example most churches I have played for on first Sundays do "I know it was the Blood".  There are hundreds if not thousands of songs you are kind of expected to know on the bass.

James

[waveofthinking]

Is there such a thing as a list of standards for gospel?

Not really as floaded mentioned, but alot of gospel music is based on jazz concepts.

[fbates]

I would say to try and learn most of the old school hymns, at least how they sound.  Most of them follow the same patterns (if all else fails try 1 5 1, 1 5 2, 1 5 1, 2 5 1 lol)

Also like others have said learn the songs that you hear on the radio.  Most of the time they play new stuff and the old classics so you get a good mix of stuff to study.  Practice your scales and arpeggios. This will make learning new songs easier.

If your technique is clean and your ear is good you'll be fine. 

[IotaNet]

... I think there are standards in Gospels music. They would Hymns, Congregational songs and basic service music that is done at your particular church.  Example most churches I have played for on first Sundays do "I know it was the Blood".  There are hundreds if not thousands of songs you are kind of expected to know on the bass ...

Absolutely, positively, without a doubt THIS ^

I know I'm speaking primarily from a Black church, Baptist perspective but there are a whole bunch of songs you re expected to know as a bass player ...

The Blood Will Never Lose its Power
At the Cross
Near the Cross
Amazing Grace
Precious Lord
Bless That Wonderful Name of Jesus
What he's Done For Me
In the Name of Jesus

... and that's just off the top of my head.

The good news is that those songs are all basic progressions and many of them are the SAME progression. But as a bass player, you have to know them or be able to catch on and/or fake them.